News Blog

Electric Boats: The Wave of the Future?

Going Green With Electric Boating Electric boats come in all shapes and sizes, from small fishing boats to large yachts. They can be powered by either an onboard battery or a plug-in charger. Some electric boats are powered by a combination of batteries and solar panels or are hybrid models with a gas-powered engine as […]

How the Internet of Things is Changing Boating

Technology Can Make Boat Ownership Easier Than Ever Technology and the Internet of Things impacts every aspect of our lives, home, car and lifestyles. So, it is somewhat inevitable that demand for this type of connectivity would eventually reach the boating world too. Boat owners are beginning to turn to smart technology on their vessels […]

The Sextant – a Celestial Navigation Tool

What is a Sextant and How Do You Use It? Before the invention of satellite GPS tracking, gyro compasses and marine radar, vessels had to rely on manual navigation tools to be able to identify their position in the ocean. One of these tools (which has been in use since the early 1700s) is the […]

Understanding the Marine Weather Forecast

What Does the Marine Weather Forecast Tell You? A marine weather forecast is so important for yachters and boaters (and their guests) to understand.  As all boaters know, a sudden change in weather patterns can not just interrupt a day at sea, but it can put your vessel and your guests in danger. Knowing how […]

A Guide to Waxing and Painting your Boat

How to Get Your Yacht Shining Like New Again There is nothing more pleasurable than sailing on a sunny day in a boat that’s sparkling like new. Unfortunately, we all know that UV rays and salt water can take their toll on your boat’s shiny finish over time, but regularly waxing or painting your boat […]

Boat and Hull Maintenance

Complete Haul-Out Service at Van Isle Marina Yacht Park Boat maintenance is a key part of keeping your boat seaworthy, safe and looking great. After all, there is nothing more enjoyable than cruising in a boat you know is in top notch condition and is well protected from the corrosive elements of the ocean. Saltwater, […]

Boat Safety Checklist

How to Be a Safe Boater If you sit in the captain’s seat of your yacht, you also take on the duty of ensuring that your boating experience is safe. In order to ensure safety of everyone on board, there are a number of things to consider: Is the vessel itself safe to use, seaworthy […]

Winter Boating and Cruising Checklist

How to Keep Boating Throughout Winter Winter boating is a growing hobby here on Vancouver Island. While many boaters choose to winterize their yachts, tuck them up on dry land and wait longingly for spring, it’s entirely possible to stay on the water throughout the winter months. Boaters in the Pacific Northwest benefit from milder […]

Boat Mooring Checklist & Techniques

Step by Step Instructions for Successful Mooring Knowing how to moor your boat properly is a vital skill all boat owners should have.  No one wants to find their vessel damaged, floating away or sunk, which can all happen if it is not moored and secured properly. A damaged or submerged boat is not only […]

boat haul outs - Van Isle Marina

Tips for a Successful Haul Out

Things to Consider When Planning Your Annual Boat Haul Out For some yacht owners, an annual haul out marks the end of boating season; for others, it’s a chance to clean and carry out any repairs before putting the boat right back in.  If you dread haul out time you’re not alone – most boat […]